Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp meets tender Lemon Basil Orzo in this quick and flavorful dinner recipe. Bold, zesty, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining!
There’s something irresistible about Southern cuisine, the bold flavors, the spice, and the comforting warmth of a home-cooked meal.
This Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo combines everything you love about the South with a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
Juicy shrimp are tossed in a fiery spice blend, then paired with tender, buttery orzo infused with bright lemon and fragrant basil. The result is a dish that’s vibrant, satisfying, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for guests. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, citrus, and herbal freshness.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Spicy Southern Style Shrimp with Lemon Basil Orzo
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Mediterranean Fusion, SouthernDifficulty: Easy, Weeknight-Friendly4
servings10
minutes20
minutes350
kcalIngredients
- For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Lemon Basil Orzo:
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1. Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Orzo:
- In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil.
- Add orzo and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Stir in olive oil, butter, lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Assemble the Dish:
- Plate the lemon basil orzo and top with the spicy shrimp. Garnish with extra basil and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Kid-Friendly Note:
Reduce cayenne pepper to make it mild for kids.
